Question

Species diversity ____ as we move away from the ____ towards ____.

• A. Decreases, Poles, Equator
• B. Stable, Equator, Poles
• C. Increases, Equator, Poles
• D. Decreases, Equator, Poles

Hint:

Species diversity peaks at the equator and declines toward the poles due to climatic and ecological gradients.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

• Definition of Species Diversity: Species diversity refers to the variety and abundance of species in an ecosystem, influenced by environmental factors like climate.
• Geographical Trend: Biodiversity is highest near the equator due to favorable conditions (e.g., warm temperatures, high rainfall) and decreases toward the poles where conditions are harsher (e.g., cold, limited resources).
• Option Analysis:
  • (1) Decreases, Poles, Equator: Incorrect direction (should be Equator to Poles). This is incorrect.
  • (2) Stable, Equator, Poles: Diversity is not stable; it varies with latitude. This is incorrect.
  • (3) Increases, Equator, Poles: Incorrect, as diversity decreases moving from equator to poles. This is incorrect.
  • (4) Decreases, Equator, Poles: Correct, as species diversity decreases from the equator toward the poles. This is correct.
• Mechanism Insight: The equator supports tropical rainforests with high species richness, while polar regions have fewer species due to extreme conditions.
• Conclusion: The correct answer is (4) Decreases, Equator, Poles, accurately describing the latitudinal gradient of biodiversity.